Vicious, the new ITV comedy about a gay couple living together, has received mixed reviews among both fans and critics, but that hasn’t stopped over 5 million people from tuning in. Perhaps it’s the well-known actors, perhaps it’s due to controversy. but nevertheless, Vicious is getting plenty of viewers. Writing in the Guardian, Ben Summerskill, chief executive of gay rights charity Stonewall said the programme represented progress for gay representation on TV.

Perhaps it was the novelty of watching two of the nation’s finest actors play at being a bit naughty but I enjoyed Vicious, the first of the night’s comedies in which Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi play long-time partners Freddie and Stuart.

The pair are keener on catty put-downs than words of love and affection, and it’s this which drives most of the comedy.

McKellen and Jacobi are supported by Frances De La Tour as best friend Violet and Iwan Rheon as hot new neighbour Ash, who the three older cast members all develop an instant crush on.

Some of the plotting was a little off – how did Ash know where to find the bathroom in Freddie and Stuart’s flat? – and the two leads were certainly guilty of hamming it up, but overall I thought Vicious delivered a decent quota of genuine laugh out loud moments.

Unlike…

Not even the presence of the always likeable Russell Tovey could save The Job Lot from boring the life out of me. Within five minutes of this The Office wannabe starting I’d almost forgotten the belly laughs of Vicious.

Flatter than a pancake, The Job Lot is the sort of instantly forgettable comedy that I’d normally associate with ITV.

Have you watched any of Vicious yet? What do you think about it? Is it as funny as you hoped or expected, or is the show simply a societal statement being made by the powerhouse ITV? With over 5 million viewers, it seems ITV has hit it right once again.

Most recent posts:

£45,000 tax free cash a Jeep Cherokee Longitude Plus a four night trip to London & more! To enter you must be 18+. Date & age restrictions apply. Entries made after lines close at 5pm on Monday 13th February will not count and may still be charged. Post closes...

The competition closes at 5pm on Friday 4th September 2015. Maximum value of the kitchen is £29,700.00 including VAT. What do the monkeys find in the fridge? (A) Apples (B) Bananas (C) Monkeys - we think B!...

As shown on ITV Monday 27th July to Friday 31st July and Monday 17th August to Friday 21st August. The closing date for online entries is midday Thursday 27th August. No question to answer. Enter 5 times per phone number....